Cranking conditions for lifeguard longboard comp

09 May, 2022

Solid, clean conditions treated surfers for the 29th Annual Lifeguard Longboard Nationals held at Mangawhai Heads in late April. Waves in the 1.5m-2.0m plus range broke all day with bigger sets causing some issues for competitors. But in the spirit of this iconic lifeguard event, competitors enjoyed the challenge and in between the chaos it was a beautiful day of longboarding at Mangawhai Heads.

Winners of the six divisions were: Open Mens, Nat Fitt (Red Beach); Womens, Jess Costello (Mangawhai); Juniors (U18), Taj Robinson (Mangawhai); Classic, Neil McInnes (Mangawhai); Masters, Paul Browne (Waipu); U14 Girls, Emma Lay (Mangawhai); and U14 Boys, Layne Panhuis (Mangawhai) . This year there were 13 clubs represented including Karekare, Whiritoa, Tairua, Waihi, Karekare, Piha, Bethells Beach, Muriwai, Mangawhai, Ruakaka, Waipu, Red Beach and Mairangi Bay.

Event organisers thank sponsors Good & Gooey Honey, SeaSap Zinc, Threadbox, Bammas Surf Shop, Graham Darlow, Beehive Sausages and McLeods Brewery.

The event will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2023 and planning is already underway.

– PHOTO/SUPPLIED